Method of producing matrices.



P. T. DODGE METHOD OF PRODUCING MATRICES. APILIOATION FILED JULY 25.1907.

Patented N0v.1fi,1909.

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PHILIP T. DODGE l, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TOMERGEN- THALER LINOTYPE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

METHOD OFPBODUCING MATRICES.

Specification of Letters latcnt.

Patented Nov. 16, race.

Application filed July 25, 1907. Serial. No. 385,567.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that .I, PHILIP T. DODGE,Of Washington, in the District ofColumbia, have invented a new and useful Method of Producing Matrices,of which the following is a specification.

My inventir has reference more especially to the manufacture of matricesfor linotype machines such as are fully described in Letters Patent ofthe United States No. $36,532. These matrices, which consist each of athin brass plate having a matrix character on one edge, as shown inFigure 1 of the accompanying drawings, are required to be made withextreme precision in certain of their dimensions, variation of the smallfraction of a thousandth of an inch prohibiting their successful use.Heretot'ore it has been the practice to produce these matrices fromsheet brass bythe use of machine tools performing from to 60 distinctoperations.

The aim of my invention is to greatly reduce the number of operationsrequired and at the same time to produce a matrix having smooth,condensed surfaces as distinguished from the soft and granular surfacesleit by the ordinary cutting tools after the removal of the outer skinor surface. To this end I form my matrices by confining blanks in aninclosed die of suitable form, then applying pressure by a plunger, orits equivalent, to the side face of the blank, or to some other portionof its-surface which does not require.

precision in form or size, in such manner as to flow the metal Withinthe die and enlarge the blank in the directions in which accuracy isrequired until it tightly fills the corresponding portions of the die.

By the employment of die which is tightly closed at all essential pointsbefore the pressure begins, and by the application of sufficientpressure, I displace the metal in the central or unimportant part of theblank and cause the latter to tightly fill the die, so that it acquiresthe exact term and size required and presents a hardened or condensedsurface of perfect smoothness, Without fins or projections thereon.

In some 'casesl. propose to complete the matrices by one operation inthe die; in other cases, for special matrices, it may be necessary toperform one, two, or more additional finishing operations, such for eX-,

ample as the cutting of the teeth to give the proper distributingcombination.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 represents a perspective view ofavcompleted matrix. Figs. 2, 3 aud t represent perspective views or theblanks of different forms which may be employed. Fig. 5 represents avertical section through a die such as I propose to employ.

Referring to Fig. 1, A represents the body of the matrix, provided withcars, it, at the respective corners, with a notch, a, at the upper endcontaining distributing teeth as usual, and With the intaglio characteror matrix proper, a on one edge.

In carrying out my invention [punch or otherwise form from sheet brass,or other suitable material, a blank of the approximate form of the finalmatrix, such for instance as the blanks shown in Figs. 2, 3 and ,4. 1next provide, of hardened steel or other suitable material, a strong andmassive die, B,.containin a cavity, C, of the exact form and size of therequired matrix. This die may be made in two parts joined on line 7), orotherwise formed, provided only that its parts are adapted to bejoinedor locked rigidly together in such manner that the internal cavityor chamber will present no joints or seams between the moving parts.

Through one side of the die I make an 0 eating to receive the end of ati htly fitting p unger WhlCllWlll be actuated by the head of anordinary punching press, or by any other suitable means. I 1

The inner end oft-he plunger is of a size less than that of the matrix,and is preferably arranged as shown to enter the side of the chamber, toform by pressure an inden tation in the side of the blank Wholly Withinits margin. The blank being inserted and the two parts of the-die joinedand ri idly secured together, the plunger is force inward in such manneras to displace the metal from the center of the blank and bause it toflow out "aid in all directions and to tightly fill the interior of-themold.

it is to be noted that the boqy PO1ti9n Q the mold have no movement inrelationt to as to produce a in-or bur on the matrix.-

In other Words, the matrices delivered from and desire to secure byLetters Patent without fins or projections, which consists in the diewill present a ertectly smoothand 1 finished surface at t e edges-'-amatter which is of the utmost importance in order to insure their properaction in a linotype machine. I

- Having described niy'invention, I claim The method of forming alinotype matrix and producing thereon hardened and condensed surfaces ofpredetermined dimensions providing a blank of approximately the form ofthe required matrix, inclosing saidblank, in a tightly-closed die cavityof, the exact form and dimensions of the required matrix, and applyingpressure to the side of the blanket a point wholly within the mar=ginallunits 01' the effective surfaces of the blank; whereby thedisplacement of the metal in said limited area Will cause the maing andcondensing the surface of the-matrix and giving it the exact form anddimensions required.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day ofJuly, 1907, in the presence of two attesting Witnesses.

PHILIP T. DODGE.

Witnesses F. M. Ecoms'rox, WALTER MoBLAnD.

' terial of the blank to flow outward and fill the tightly-closed diecavity, thereby harden-

